
What is a single-family home?
The term single-family home seems self-explanatory, but there’s more to it than you think.
Hire a real estate attorney for any home sale or purchase, even if your state doesn’t require you to. The contracts are complex, and the stakes are high — it’s worth the extra cost to make sure everything is legally buttoned-down.
— Michele Petry
Michele Petry is a senior editor for Bankrate, leading the site’s real estate content since January 2022. Before joining Bankrate she was a writer and editor for StreetEasy, Zillow’s New York City real estate site. Before that, she amassed 20 years of experience on staff at national magazines, honing her skills editing home-based content at House Beautiful, Elle Decor and Veranda (among other titles). Michele earned her journalism degree from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications and lives in Manhattan.
Buying your first home is scary, stressful and thrilling all at once. I couldn’t believe a bank was willing to lend a young, clueless me what seemed at the time like SO. MUCH. MONEY. The fact that it was a New York City co-op apartment, with all the esoteric rules and nerve-racking interviews that includes, made it even more surreal. I know firsthand how important it is to have a knowledgeable real estate agent to guide you through the journey — mine specialized in my neighborhood, knew the building I was buying in specifically, and saved me from making a million naive missteps. I’m happy to use my experience and skills to help others achieve the dream of homeownership.
Hire a real estate attorney for any home sale or purchase, even if your state doesn’t require you to. The contracts are complex, and the stakes are high — it’s worth the extra cost to make sure everything is legally buttoned-down.
— Michele Petry
The term single-family home seems self-explanatory, but there’s more to it than you think.
Before buying in a flood zone, it’s important to know the risks and costs involved.
Living in an HOA community comes with certain rules and limitations. Here’s what to know.
The document that used to be called a settlement statement is now known as a closing disclosure.
If you’re applying for a mortgage, your lender may require a warranty deed.
Depending on whom you ask, the FSBO model can either save money or cost you even more.
Homebuyers with a land contract make payments directly to the seller, rather than a lender.
Owning a historic home can be rewarding, but it comes with a unique set of challenges.
How much money will you really make when you sell your house?
It is possible to buy a house with an LLC, or limited liability company, but it’s complicated.
Will staging your home get you a higher price when you sell?
All-cash offers take securing a mortgage out of the homebuying equation.
Both buyers and sellers pay closing costs, but not equally. Here’s who pays what.
Non-contingent offers are appealing to sellers — but should you waive the inspection contingency?
Contingencies can help you back out of a purchase with little pain.
How to make a successful offer on a house, and what to avoid.